Barriers to HVAC System Optimization and How to Overcome Them

Given that HVAC systems typically account for 44% of commercial buildings’ energy consumption1, HVAC optimization should be a priority efficiency upgrade after lighting improvements and other low-hanging fruit. Full-scale HVAC optimization typically reduces energy usage and costs by 20 to 40%, improves system reliability by operating equipment more efficiently and at optimal temperatures, ensures consistently healthy air quality and building comfort, and reduces a building’s carbon footprint.

The term “optimization” is often applied loosely to various types of controls and upgrades in the HVAC world, but truly optimizing an HVAC plant means automatically controlling HVAC equipment as a holistic system, around the clock, to use the least amount of energy without sacrificing building performance. The chillers, boilers, air handling units, ductwork, diffusers, thermostats, sensors, and more must work together like a well-coordinated team to yield the full benefits. In addition, optimization software should continually capture and analyze system data to determine additional measures that will improve efficiency and provide performance metrics.

Optimization can be a significant project, but given the immediate savings and a typical payback period of less than four years, it makes good sense to undertake it.

What usually holds people back from pursuing optimization is one or more of three common barriers: concerns about optimization in sensitive environments, uncertainty about results, and cost accounting. Facility executives can address each of these issues with careful project planning and mitigation strategies.